Week 3, Term 3 2020

Dear parents, staff and students,

Semester Two brings the opportunity for all students to learn more about the world, to improve on their achievements and to perhaps place further attention on areas of need.  It also brings further opportunities for our school community to continue the positive culture that SSPS is well known for amongst the wider community.  Together we strive to provide the best educational and pastoral environment for all associated with our great school.  

It is the joint responsibility of all parents, staff, and students to actively contribute to this strong sense of culture positively.  The valued input of parents in their child’s education is fundamental to the success a child has at school.  All families who choose to enrol their children in a Catholic School have a responsibility to that school to add to its unique culture and Christian dimension.  Our school continues to operate successfully due to the unified purpose and approach by all involved. I know you will continue to work with us, so your children can grow in confidence as St Saviour’s Learners.

You as parents assist us by the importance you place on education and encouraging your children to be respectful citizens of society. I ask that you regularly have conversation with your children about treating everyone with respect, attending school, being on time, wearing the correct uniform and placing a high value on learning.  The value you place on the traits of a learner and being a global citizen will be the values your child holds into the future. Primary school is the crucial time to establish values, develop positive dispositions and an understanding of the benefits of being resilient and to persist in all endeavours.  

Our teachers and support staff pride themselves on doing their best to support your child’s learning and to strive for goodness in their daily interactions. I applaud those parents who show a keen interest in their child’s learning. Remember, communication between home and school is vital for a happy and productive school year. Your child’s teacher will inform you on the most effective mode of communication. Myself, Mr Sam Hannant (Assist. Principal) and Mrs Judy Smith (Assist. Principal Religious Education) are more than happy to meet and discuss matters at any stage. 

We know that issues arise from time to time.  A school comprises of many different parties: the Parish, Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office, School Administration, teachers and support staff, visiting specialists, parent groups and students. As educators of children, we understand the concerns of parents and we ask that parents in return understand that the roles of the teacher continue to become more demanding and complex.  Education is very much a partnership, so when an issue arises, please contact the person concerned directly at the earliest opportunity and in the least formal way, i.e. a quick chat before or after school, courteous email or phone call at a reasonable time of day. Following this initial contact and if the matter seemingly cannot be resolved, the Principal or Assistant Principal should then become involved. Please show your trust in your child’s teacher and avoid the approach of “going over their head” as all this creates is a feeling of distrust. 

Another important point is to keep an open mind about what you hear.  We love and cherish our children however it is wise to remember that they can sometimes embellish and misinterpret things. Checking ‘stories’ with those concerned in a courteous manner should resolve any such problems. As mentioned earlier, communication is key to continued harmony and care of all students.

I am very proud of the way the children conduct themselves with their learning and the exemplary behaviour and approach they show each day here at St Saviour’s Primary School.  This of course does not occur by accident or good luck.  The pride the children take in learning new things and respecting each other is no doubt due to the great parenting and highly effective teaching and learning team of SSPS.

The students who recently received an academic excellence award and encouragement award are true testament to the great place of learning our school is each and every day.  

Catholic Education Week 2020 

Queensland ‘s Catholic schools this year celebrate 175 years of Catholic schooling.  In our school, in this week particularly, we celebrate Catholic Education in Queensland experienced in the past.  We congratulate all those who continue to give personally and professionally to Catholic Education.  Here at St Saviour’s we recognised the following staff for reaching various milestones of service: Mrs Julie Robinson (20 years), Mrs Paula Wagner (25 Years), Mrs Narelle Jackson (25 years) and Anita McVeigh (20 years).

We remember and give thanks to God for all those whose passion, dedication and hard work have brought us to this time and place in Catholic Education.  The theme for this year is A Spirited Tomorrow. We look toward to the future with excitement and anticipation of what is to come for our journey ahead, trusting in God’s Spirit who walks with us and guides our way.  In our school, in this week particularly, we celebrate the vision of what Catholic Education in Queensland can mean for the future. In Queensland there are more than 310 Catholic schools, 20 000 staff and 149 000 students across five Dioceses. We recognise that each one of us today – those in Queensland and beyond – has a place in shaping the future of Catholic Education.

Today, Friday 31st July is a student free day.  Staff have come together for continued professional development in the area of Religious Education.  Mrs Judy Smith (APRE) has lead the staff in a day of reflection.  Thanks to Toowoomba Catholic Schools for preparing the materials for the professional development for staff and to Judy for organising and presenting on the day. 

COVID Update

If your child develops flu like symptoms, please:

• keep the child at home and seek advice about undergoing COVID testing
• contact your doctor or contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately
• call ahead to the medical centre or doctor’s surgery, advising of your child’s symptoms

Interstate travel (NSW)

The Premier of Queensland has urged all Queenslanders to avoid interstate travel to NSW. People undertaking interstate travel (particularly staff) should be aware of the possibility of changes to border restrictions at short notice and the possible impact this may have on quarantine rules and arrangements.

Current declared hotspots requiring mandatory quarantine are: in Sydney, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Fairfield LGAs, and the whole of Victoria.

Thank you all for your ongoing support of Catholic Education in Queensland.

Many blessings and thanks for reading.

Madonna

Dear Parents and Carers, 

Welcome to Catholic Education Week, which is certainly being "celebrated" quite differently this year, with many of the usual larger gatherings of staff and/ or students cancelled. Knowing this, with us able to only have up to 100 people gather at St Patrick's Cathedral, Fr Michael and I came up with a plan (with much syncronising and rearranging of diaries) so that each year level was able to revisit the church in the first two weeks of this term. For most of us, it was our first church visit since Term One.

To make it more of an "occasion", and an acknowledgement of St Pat's as a "sacred space" we gathered with the students and their teachers in the sanctuary, behind the altar. There, we celebrated Mass with Yrs 4-6, Liturgy of the Word with Year 3s and Prayer Gatherings with Prep to Year 2. Each occasion was very special, with Fr Michael reinforcing the message that it is the people, that makes a place sacred, with the emphasis that St Saviour's Primary is a sacred space, because of the students, staff and families and the way we treat and care for each other.

Class gatherings at St Pat's (photo gallery)

Prayer Life of the Family
to Celebrate 175 Years of
Catholic Education in Queensland

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM: All students and families who are taking part in the St Pat's Sacramental Program for 2020 are now busy preparing for their First Eucharist Celebration, which will be on either Friday August 14 or Friday August 21. Please let the parish know which date you would like to attend. 

Seminarian Visit: Last week we had two 4th year students from the Holy Spirit Seminary at Banyo spend a few hours with us. Dave Nightingale and Minje Kim spent time talking with students and staff about life in the seminary, why they wanted to become priests and what their life was like before they entered the seminary.

Both men engaged easily with the students and happily answered quite a barrage of questions from students who, for the most part, didn't know what a seminary was. We all thoroughly enjoyed having Dave and Minje visit and have invited them to come back if they can. We wish them all the best in their studies.

Year One Service Activity puts a smile on Fr Michael's face.

At the conclusion of their Prayer Gathering, the Year One students presented Fr Michael with 2 jigsaws for him to complete in his "spare time"...to help him relax. Of course the jigsaws had a religious theme! See photos below. 

Thanks for reading,

Semester One Academic & Encouragment Awards

Congratulations to all students who received Academic and Encouragement Awards on Monday. Academic Awards were presented to students who performed exceptionally well (All A and B results) in all learning areas over the course of Semester One.  One member of each class also received an Academic Encouragment Award for the effort they put into their learning over the semester.  There was also one academic medal that is awared for receiving an 'A' in all learning areas.  

ACADEMIC MEDALLION (An 'A' in all learning areas) - Maya Smith in Year 5W

ENCOURAGEMENT AWARDS - Sarah Blessing, Levi Nash, Jagger Witt, Faith Lorraway, Makaya Teske, Edwin Tom, Rafferty Dwan, Heath Woods, Grayson Nissen, Edward Boland, Sophia Hooper, Riley Woods, Archie Collins, Sophia Bumatay, Nimeesha Sunil, Margaret Abot, Jasmine Littleton-Erbs, Lizzie Wolbers, Kylie Gray.

ACADEMIC AWARDS - Please see photos below of some students who received academic awards.

Year 6 Sport Shirts

Dan Eagleson has informed me that he has some extra 2020 Year 6 leader shirts.  If your child has grown out of theirs or would like another one, please stop into the uniform shop to purchase a shirt.

Year 5 Camp

Further information, including permission forms, have been sent this week regarding year 5 camp.  This camp will take place in week 9 of this term.  Please check Caremonkey for further information.

STEMPunks visit

STEMPunks visited our Year 4, 5 and 6 students this week.  Please see some photos below of the lessons.

Internet Safety

Internet Safe Education is a company that has visited St Saviour's Primary previously, delivering presentations are online safety for students.  

They have developed a handbook titled, '5 Principles to stay safe online handbook'.  It is aimed at parents and is a very easy read.  If you are concerned with your child's online behaviours or aren't sure what they are doing online, please visit the following link:

https://internetsafeeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/5-Principles-To-Stay-Safe-Online.pdf?vgo_ee=U92RgYRq2mrBqWjNqUub%2BnYypb%2Fj66R%2Fy6us1jmLzdSsML4mfQvzx8Khklx3pz%2B8

School Uniform

During these colder days it is still a requirement that students wear the correct school uniform.  If students are undable to attend school in the correct uniform, it is asked that you notify their classroom teacher in writing.

If you are unsure of the correct uniform, please visit the following link:

https://sspstwb.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1151/ssp043_uniform_requirements_flyer_may_2019b_screen.pdf

Our Book Week Celebration 

Dress–up Parade Tuesday 15th  September 

Following the 2020 theme, students are asked to plan a costume that connects to one word in the theme Curious Creatures Wild Minds and tell us what connection they have made. 

Will you be a creature? 

Are you a curious explorer, scientist, artist.....? 

Where have you gone using your wild imagination/mind? 

 Collaborate and Create Challenge - Let your curiosity run wild... 

Students will be asked to reflect on and share what has sparked their curiosity during their learning and living this term. With teacher guidance, students will collaborate on a plan to showcase their reflections with the final product to be constructed in an hour challenge on Tuesday 15th. The library will display the students’ work for everyone to enjoy. 

  Thanks Year 6 Helpers! 

Each Tuesday we shelve returned items from the previous week. Our rostered Year 6 students make fast work of the fiction and junior fiction titles. We couldn’t complete this task in the time available without their assistance, thanks students! 

More evidence of collaborative helpers! Year 6 students cut and placed the streamers for our library display.

 The finished project thanks to the multi-talented Mrs King and Mrs Powers! 

Mrs King created the amazing lettering to encourage us to ‘Let our curiosity run wild” and Mrs Powers engineered the letters and decorations into place. 

Thank you both so much, all library users will enjoy the results of your effort for weeks to come! 

Term 1 Overdue Library Items

There are a considerable number of loans outstanding from Term 1. If you have received a letter regarding overdue items please make an effort to return them as an invoice for the replacement cost will be sent home in the near future.

Zoom Workshop on Offer from QLD branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia 

 Young Writers Workshop with Brian Falkner 
 
Are you aged between 8 and 13 and love to write? Then come on a journey of fun and discovery, learning how to create, develop and write awesome stories with Brian Falkner. 
 
When: Sunday 23 August 2020 from 11am-12:30pm 
Price: Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members. 

Brian loves telling stories, either his bestselling books, or standing in front of an audience of students. He's the award-winning author of nineteen books for children and young adults, published in over twelve countries in seven languages. 
 
For the last 10 years, Brian has also been touring the world teaching and coaching students in creative writing. His energy and humour make his workshops a fun and rewarding experience for young writers and his sessions are in high demand. 
 
Brian set up the Write Like an Author program running workshops in school holidays. 
 
Book here to join this ZOOM Online workshop. Only one booking per family required. 

Please claim these items from the library if they belong to you! 

 Keep reading and remember to be curious about the world around you!

Mrs Anderson

Teacher Librarian 

St Saviour’s Primary School Athletics Carnival 2020 

 Week Four 

• Discus in PE Lessons (2011 – 2008) 1st, 2nd , 3rd and one point for every student who participates. Winners will be announced on assembly. 
• Discus (Foam) in PE Lessons (2015 – 2012) one point for every student who participates. 
  
   
• Sprints (60m to 100m) on Tuesday after rolls have been marked on school oval by groups of students. Start with 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008. All races 2011 onwards will have a final which will be run before each age group finishes. 
• All students can dress in house colours for Sprints.  

Zone and Darling Downs Trials 

All zone and darling downs trial dates will be posted on Schoolzine. To receive notifications, download the Schoolzine app and add St Saviour’s Primary School. 

Discus Permission 

Please make sure you log onto CareMonkey and complete the permission form for your child to compete in discus. If no permission is given, your child will be unable to compete in this athletic event. Any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me via email brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au. 

Athletics Carnival (Week One to Week Three) 

In week one students competed in High Jump (3-6) and Mini Hurdle Races (Prep – 3) and what a close competition it was. I was very impressed by the student skill level and sportsmanship. Results from High Jump are below. 

2011 Girls 

• 1^st - Ariana Jeffrey 
• 2^nd - Sianna Thomas 
• 3^rd - Kyara Flanigan 

2011 Boys 

• 1^st - Taylor Wann 
• 2^nd - Xander Driscoll 
• 3^rd - Luca Chalvien 

2010 Girls 

• 1^st - Erin Ward 
• 2^nd Margaret Abot 
• 3^rd Juel Condon 

2010 Boys 

• 1^st Hunter Tate-Roche 
• 2^nd Victor McLeod 
• 3^rd Zachary Baker 

2009 Girls 

• 1^st - Grace Oughtred 
• 2^nd - Kara Cumming 
• 3^rd - Elizabeth Wolbers 

2009 Boys 

• 1^st - Lachlan Ottobrino 
• 2^nd Leon Smith 
• 3^rd Christian Kenyon 

2008 Girls 

• 1^st - Holly Robinson 
• 2^nd - Alicia Farkarlun 
• 3^rd - Rheanna Hart 

2008 Boys 

• 1^st - Cameron Dennis 
• 2^nd - Conor Ward 
• 3^rd - Dominic Marsh 

In week two students competed in Long Jump (3-6) and Sack Races (Prep – 3) (Photos Attached). I was again very impressed by the student skill level and sportsmanship. Results from Long Jump are below. 

2011 Girls 

• 1^st Piper Dolley 
• 2^nd Angelina Ones 
• 3^rd Sophia Hooper  

2011 Boys 

• 1^st Xander Driscoll 
• 2^nd Thomas Prust 
• 3^rd Taylor Wann  

2010 Girls 

• 1^st Bridgette Cowley  
• 2^nd Lily Kilgour-Henry 
• 3^rd Emma Barram  

2010 Boys 

• 1^st Hunter Tate-Roche 
• 2^nd Niklas Raeth 
• 3^rd Zachary Baker  

2009 Girls 

• 1^st Elizabeth Wolbers 
• 2^nd Lydia Dull 
• 3^rd Kara Cumming  

2009 Boys 

• 1^st Lachlan Ottobrino 
• 2^nd Callum Zull 
• 3^rd Edge Luck  

2008 Girls 

• 1^st Rheanna Hart 
• 2^nd Holly Robinson 
• 3^rd Alicia Farkarlun  

2008 Boys 

• 1^st Cameron Dennis 
• 2^nd Flynn Goodall 
• 3^rd Conor Ward  

This week students in years three to six have been competing in Shotput (Photos Attached) and I have been very impressed with the quality of their throws. 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd will be worked out over the weekend for age groups 2011 – 2008 and announced on Monday. Prep to year two have been participating in Shotput but using a foam shot this week and what a lot of fun it has been (Photos Attached). All students for prep to year six also competed in ball games and relays on Tuesday of this week and what a fantastic day everyone had (Photos Attached) The year sixes went above and beyond demonstrating what fantastic leaders they are at St Saviour’s Primary School helping our younger students out throughout the day. 

Kind Regards 

Brendan Luck 

PE Teacher 

Reminders:

School Fees

Term 3 School Fees have been emailed home this week.  The due date for payment is Friday 21st August. This is the final account for the year. 

Year 5 Camp

Payment for Year 5 Camp is due on by the 28th August.  Payments can be made directly into the school bank account, via eftpos, or cash payments.

Prep Enrolments 2022

Prep Enrolments are now being taken for Prep 2022.  Please contact the office for an enrolment package.  

School Phone Number

REMINDER:  The school phone number has now officially changed to 4637 1700. Please update these details in your phone. 

Lost Property

Over the past few week's we have had a number of items go missing from school that are all clearly named.  Items such as hats, jumpers and spray jackets that are named have gone missing.  Parents, please check your child's uniform to make sure they are wearing the correct one.  Some of these items that have gone missing are brand new. 

•  Please ensure that your child has his/her hat at school every day.  We have a number of children who are wanting to "borrow" a hat from the office.  The rules are no hat no play.  The school office does not lend hats.

Absentees

Please remember that all absentees need to be reported to the office by 9am each day.  This can be done either by phoning the office, emailing the school or sending a schoolzine notification via the school app.  Messages can be left on the school answering machine before 8am.

Census

The Australian Government provides funding to Australian schools under the Australian Education Act 2013 (AE Act). The AE Act and the associated Australian Education Regulation 2013 (the AE Regulation) require that a school authority provides the Australian Government with certain information about the school, its staff, and student body to ensure the school’s funding is properly calculated and appropriately managed. This information is collected by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the department) on behalf of the Australian Government.  Please see attached Privacy Notice regarding the data collection for Census.

2020_Census_Privacy_Notice_2_3_.pdf

Congratulations to our Weekly Award winners from Week 2 and Week 3

Year 2 News

We have been super busy in Year 2 since the end of term 2! We have celebrated success, shared our learning and given thanks to those who have helped us.

Celebrating success

It was an exciting end to term 2 with our drama festival performances. We enjoyed the incredible performance by those students who were chosen to be in the finals and congratulated Joseph Black on first place, Alexis Allen second and Heath Woods in third place. Deborah Thomas and Mahaylie Weribone were also congratulated on outstanding performances with Highly commended. Congratulations to everyone who performed. On the last day of term, 2S shared their narrative learning with Prep A by retelling the Billy Goats Gruff. Students made puppets to accompany their story telling and then helped the Prep students make masks from the story. It was so much fun sharing stories with the preps and spending learning time with the many sets of siblings in the two classes.